Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Dorothy Hamill

I am not one easily to anger and am someone quick to forgive, but I must confess there is one grudge I have held against my husband all the years I have known him. Dorothy Hamill is the reason for this grudge.

Dorothy Hamill meant the world to me. She was the reason my parents spent countless dollars and endless hours in support of my love of ice skating. Figures in the stillness of pre-dawn hours, lessons for jumps and spins, practice for perfection long after the sun had set. Olympic glory for one young girl, a person to emulate for another.

Wedged hair and over-sized glasses, white mittens and boots to match. The fastest skater, the highest jumper, I strove to skate like Dorothy. The freedom of movement gliding across the ice to beautiful music let others observe a confidence I couldn't see in myself.

It was this revealed confidence that one special hockey player saw in me, planting the seeds for True Love to bloom. That love found me on the ice I owe to Dorothy Hamill and for sheltered immaturity, I owe to her as well.

Hours dedicated to skating didn't allow for time with peers. Overly sensitive to words not understood or looks that seemed disapproving made navigating First Love so difficult for me. Break-ups and make-ups seemed to fill my days.

How could my heart possibly forgive my boyfriend for taking another to watch Dorothy Hamill on ice during one of our break-ups. She meant everything to me.

In the days leading up to my surgery, I distracted myself by reading a memoir penned by Dorothy Hamill, "A Skater's Life". I was so surprised to learn that she too found relief from crippling shyness through the freedom of movement on ice, but as well found her heart isolated from maturity. There is so much about our life's stories that are the same.

When the time came to be released from the hospital, I refused the nurses help to dress but found I couldn't put on my own shoes. I motioned my husband close and whispered in his ear, "Will you help me with my shoes?" As he kneeled on the floor before me, his hair now silver with age, the knowledge that he knows of my confidence not always seen by others, washed over my heart and forever erased my one and only grudge. Dorothy Hamill, you remain my hero!

Can it possibly be that I am first to comment. I would love "E's Bluebird.....I've always loved it!I am so glad to see you blogging again and I hope they gave you meds for the vertigo. it's a terrible feeling. Rest your eyes and don't try to read too much. (Although I'm so happy you visited me)Take good care and enjoy the spring which has finally come!xoxoJoyce(Let me know the shipping costs, too. I have your address)

I loved to watch Dorothy also! I skated as a youth for years, outdoor covered rink in Ohio.... I see a brand new character, the pony!!! So cute! I will look forward to my box....and you need to rest and get better! Remember, you have to do the PT when they say....:) Hugs, Sandy

Welcome back Elizabeth!! Glad to hear your surgery went well, I hope you start feeling better too! All of your creations are so sweet!! I wish you had another pull duck, I see someone has already claimed him, he's just too cute for words! :) I think I need the "(Paper dolls and Ponies $12.00 set)" :) I'll send a check out in the mail to you!! :) xo Holly

Elizabeth, glad to hear you're on the mend. Hope the vertigo passes quickly.

If you still have one, I would love a bluebird trinket box. I say this as I am watching our school bluebirds fight for their nesting box with the tree swallows and wrens. Hopefully they will not be deterred and will be able to raise some new little blues!

PS. I idolized Dorothy and even owned the Dorothy H. barbie doll the year she went to the Olympics. I skated every second I could growing up, which is why I was so thrilled to have an ice rink this winter in our backyard. Continued blessings, dear Elizabeth!

I'm glad to see a post from you Elizabeth! I was wondering how you were doing after your surgery. Your creations are wonderful. The only memory I have of Dorothy Hammill when I was growing up was wanting that haircut! Of course, never realzing that my hair texture really wouldn't look the same with that cut!

It's wonderful hear from you and you know we all love your creations. I'm sure everything is gone by now but if you ever make another little cowgirl Pegdoll....will you put my name on her? I am crazy about cowgirls right now! Take care of yourself my friend! Sweet hugs!

Glad you are doing well. I had the Dorothy Hamill haircut for quite a few of my younger years ;) I love your last little cowboy riding on the plastic horse - he is too cute. I love that he seems to have a little movement by the turn of his head and the way he is holding his lasso...very adorable. I'm plundering my way through my treasure trove for the swap. It is so much fun...but I should be doing my taxes - eek!

Hi Elizabeth! I didn't know you were getting surgery and hope you are healing up quickly and being spoiled by your hubby :)I also love Dorothy. I never was an ice skater but I am a big fan - I even had a Dorothy wedge cut as a little girl and it was super cute with my dance outfits. My cousin was in the Ice Capades so she's met lots of famous skaters which was thrilling for me. Bet you love the winter Olympics as much as I do. God bless and big hugs to you!

Hello, my name is Michelle and I use(get) an English French translator to write you, I thus hope that my message will be understandable. I liked very much going on your site, for some time I do not any more manage to read your blog and I am sorry about it. Closed you this blog? I hope that your health problems improves I wishes you a good day Michelle

Hi Elizabeth! I'm just popping in to check on you and hope you're feeling better from your surgery and to wish you a belated Happy Mother's Day! Take care and I'll be waiting for your new post!be a sweetie,Shelia ;)

Hello Elizabeth...I hope you are doing well. I really miss you and yur cute little creations. I've been pretty busy this summer with little Tommy and just trying to get organized so I can spend more time doing crafts without making such a big mess...I hope to have a room dedicated to just sewing and crafting one day.... I hope to see a new post from you soon my friend.((HUGS))Laura

Oh Elizabeth how you are missed :) Hope you and your family are well. I noticed on this post that I won your bluebird; he sits in a special spot where I enjoy him every day!! I hope to "see" you back in blogland soon XOXO Elaine